What has the crucified but resurrected Jesus been doing during the past 2000 years? Most people never think to ask this question. The ministry of Jesus on earth was amazing but it did last only three-and-a-half years.
So, what HAS Jesus been doing for the past 2000 years?
Firstly, he has been praying for those who have accepted him as Lord. He does not pray for those who have not believed. Why not? Because he did all he could for them by dying for their sins.
Secondly, he spends time with those who have come to know him as their glorified Lord. Those who have not yet met him must do so at the Cross; those who have do so in prayer and personal devotion.
The realization of myself as a sinner brought me to that Cross in 1961, when at age 21 I knelt and surrendered my life to God. It was only after I came to know the crucified Jesus that I also came to know him as my risen, living Lord. In that first meeting I experienced God’s cleansing power and forgiveness. From then on, I experienced his ongoing love and assurance.
No one can convince someone to become a Christian — only God can do that. He does so by drawing them to Himself by His Spirit to the Cross. If you are sincere in your desire to know God, simply ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Although the son of Christian parents, I did not respond to God’s call on my life until I was 21 years old.
Sadly, many waste their entire lives and die without ever knowing Jesus. They may live with the religious concept of a Saviour who died for their sins yet they die without knowing that Jesus rose from death to live forever. He responds to those who turn away from their sins and are willing to acknowledge him as their Saviour.
Living without Jesus is one thing, but dying without him is another thing altogether — the worst thing possible. But it doesn’t have to end that way. Kneel now in surrender to Jesus and ask him to be the Lord of your life. It’s so simple yet for many it’s so hard. Lose that stubborn pride by humbling yourself on your knees before Jesus. Do it now.